By Moa Jamir
Gender's role and sexual orientation as a matter of choice remain contentious subjects in Nagaland, often leading to outright denunciation rather than informed discourse on the issue. The recent LGBTQ+ advocacy conclave in Dimapur, titled "Voices of Diversity: Action for Inclusion, Nagaland Conclave," is a case in point, sparking significant but expected negative reactions.
Supported by the US Consulate General, Kolkata, the conclave aimed to foster social acceptance, inclusion, and employment opportunities for LGBTQ+ individuals through dialogue and storytelling, according to a news report with acceptance, tolerance, and empowerment as recurrent and underlying messages. "Acceptance is the first step towards positive thinking, and when we have positive thinking, the impossible becomes possible," noted a speaker, while a panel discussion echoed the same sentiment by delving into "What are we doing for inclusion in our own spaces?"
However, acceptance and tolerance were not the outcomes, as evidenced by the reactions and subsequent developments that followed. Among others, a Naga Political Group on March 3 stated that it would not allow "external elements from corrupting the Naga traditional and religious values" and issued directives against LGBTQ+ advocacy, while a tribal Christian Association deemed LGBTQ+ lifestyles as alien to tribal customs and Christian beliefs. Public apologies regarding the event were also issued in the local media.
The Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC), on March 12, also expressed disapproval of the LGBTQ+ lifestyle but urged compassion over condemnation. While reaffirming its commitment to Biblical teachings, the NBCC acknowledged the need to approach LGBTQ+ individuals with love and understanding, rather than discriminatory judgments, criminalization, and stigmatizing. Striking a middle ground between non-acceptance and a commitment to compassion, it stressed that it does not oppose individuals grappling with an LGBTQ+ lifestyle by articulating, "Love the person but hate the sin." This nuanced stance represents a departure from outright denunciation and underscores the complexity of navigating LGBTQ+ discourse within religious communities.
The debate surrounding LGBTQ+, described by the United Nations Human Rights (UNHR) as an initialism for "lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, and other people" with sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions perceived not to conform to social norms, is not unique to Nagaland. It spans across cultures and nations, and despite claims of it being a Western phenomenon, the UNHR asserts that diverse sexual orientations and gender identities have existed globally throughout history. Yet, discriminatory laws persist in many countries, inherited from colonial legacies. A brief examination of news reports in Nagaland indicates that the topic of sexual orientation resurfaces periodically, suggesting that it is a recurring concern from various perspectives.
Regardless of whether it stems from inherent traits or external influences, the issue persists and continues to pose challenges to established societal norms and religious practices. It is incumbent upon society to determine whether it would maintain rigid dogmatism regarding individual identity or move towards greater inclusivity. This necessitates a nuanced approach, acknowledging that both cultural and religious norms strongly influence attitudes, and balancing tradition with progress and fostering understanding through informed dialogue. Rather than outright condemnation, directives, or patronisation, civilised discourses are imperative.
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